Chhattisgarh CM accuses Congress of using tribal communities as vote bank

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has accused the Indian National Congress of treating tribal communities as a ‘vote bank’ for the past 50 to 60 years. Speaking in Raipur, Sai asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been the party that has genuinely worked for the development and welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Sai highlighted the historical role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in establishing a dedicated ministry for Scheduled Tribes. He noted that tribal communities are currently benefiting from various state and central government initiatives, such as the PM-JANMAN scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He also cited the presidency of Droupadi Murmu as a point of pride for the community.

In response, Vikrant Bhuria, national president of the All India Adivasi Congress, accused the BJP government of neglecting tribal communities. Bhuria criticized the Chief Minister for failing to extend greetings to the community on Tribal Day and argued that reservation policies must remain in place until social, economic, and educational equality is achieved to address historical injustices.